Dining event makes a splash with Airmen

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Donna T. Jeffries
  • 514th Air Mobility Wing public affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  The combat dining-in is definitely not for the faint of heart nor for those with weak stomachs.

You never know if you'll be summoned to report to the sergeant-at-arms and be "ordered" to maneuver through an obstacle course while dodging incoming water missiles; only to down a full glass, non-stop, of a suspicious concoction from the dreaded grog bowl at the end.

The 514th Air Mobility Wing chiefs group hosted the wing's first combat dining-in here Sept. 24.

The idea was born out the chief's annual meeting and their desire to increase morale as well as find a forum to celebrate the wing's 50-year anniversary from transferring to New Jersey from Mitchell Field, N.Y., said Chief Master Sgt. James Whiteley.

Dining-ins give Airmen the chance to meet socially at a formal military function and enhances the esprit de corps of units. The event also promotes interaction and enables military members of all ranks to create bonds of friendship and better working relations through an atmosphere of good fellowship.

While the regular dining-in is steeped in formality and tradition, the combat dining-in is a military get-together held in a more relaxed environment where all Airmen can share in some indiscriminate fun.

The format and sequence of events is built around the traditional dining-in, however, its far less formal atmosphere requires attendees to wear combat uniforms. Attendees also come armed and prepared for "combat."

Such was the case Saturday, as attendees arrived with an assortment of heavy duty water weaponry, silly string, balloons and shields.

Very few participants escaped being doused from the water warfare.
Other activities kept the night interesting and spontaneous along with executing a few expected customs.

In keeping with tradition, the honor guard posted the colors and performed the Table of Honor ceremony. Additionally, Kenneth Lyon, a retired Marine Corps sergeant who was wounded in a mortar attack in Iraq, delivered a stirring speech. Retired Lt. Col. Carmine

Coniglione, a former Army Air Corps member who joined the military in 1947, was another special guest. Coniglione who recently celebrated his 90th birthday, was stationed with the 514th Troop Carrier Group at Mitchell Field.

"This event was about celebrating our recent successes for all the hard work from many inspections that we had over the last year," said Chief Master Sgt. Michael Ferraro, the wing's command chief master sergeant. "It was about bridging back to our history from where we came, but most of all, it was a chance to have fun and build camaraderie between each other."

The event was also popular with many of the younger Airmen.

"I'm extremely glad I attended this event," said Airmen Basic Dwayne Lee, who sat at the head table as the most junior Airmen in attendance. "The experience of being surrounded by my fellow wingmen and having a great time was fantastic and it was truly a pleasure to have witnessed such fellowship between the lowest enlisted through senior NCO's and officers."